The Seeds of Envy

Background Scripture: Genesis 37
Lesson Scripture: Genesis 37:1–11

Introduction

God warns against the sin of envy throughout His Word. The apostle Paul lists envy as one of the sins that will keep us out of heaven (Gal. 5:21). James indicates that envy is an integral part of the first nature when he says, “The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy” (James 4:5). Comparing envy with the passion sins of wrath and anger, Solomon asked, “But who is able to stand before envy?” (Prov. 27:4). This warns us of the implacable nature of envy.

If given a favorable environment by our consent, envy works from inside the heart to an outward manifestation of words and actions. Solomon described it as “rottenness of the bones” (Prov. 14:30) and likens it to coals of fire (Song of Sol. 8:6).

Early Christian writers included envy in a list of seven deadly sins that are a part of the fallen nature. While some sins of our fleshly desires are more open, the sin of envy, at the onset, can be very subtle. One of our forefathers wrote, “Envy no doubt has its degrees, and we should always destroy it before it overpowers us, and so blinds our eyes that we misrepresent and condemn the person we envy and thus destroy our own souls.” 1

Key Verse

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The story of Joseph has been a source of inspiration for many generations of Christians. We admire the faith and uncompromising obedience to God that Joseph showed in the midst of extremely trying circumstances that were beyond his control.

At the time of our lesson, Joseph’s three older brothers had already brought much distress to their father. This turmoil only got worse, and Joseph became the focal point of his brothers’ envy and hatred. We get a look at their self-will as Jacob recalls it in chapter 49 when he prophesied over each of his children.

Joseph, the firstborn son of Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel, who was now deceased, held a special place in his father’s heart. This favoritism became evident to the older brothers and laid the foundation for the envy that was the cause of much heartache and distress in Joseph’s life.

Genesis 37 chronicles the escalation of Joseph’s brothers’ envy, and it also gives the reasons and results. Jacob’s love for Joseph, though unwisely shown, was not a misplaced love; Joseph was industrious and actively involved in the family’s livelihood (v. 2). He was “the son of his old age” (Jacob was 90 years old when Joseph was born). This could also mean that Joseph was the one that waited on Jacob, doing his bidding as Jacob fulfilled his duties as the head of the family. Thus the evil report that Joseph brought to Jacob concerning his brothers was his duty as he looked out for his father’s interests. Even if Joseph appears to be a tattletale, his father had sent him to check the well-being of his brothers and their flocks (Gen. 37:14).

It is also significant that Joseph is one of only two Old Testament characters of whom the Scripture records no blemishes. Josephus writes that Joseph was virtuous and excelled his brothers in prudence. Matthew Henry writes that, although very young, he was pious, devout, and well-inclined. These virtues, coupled with his obedience and loyalty, were not lost on Jacob, who favored Joseph with a coat of many colors, further inflaming the passion of envy in his brothers.

In the culture of that day, a person’s garment often indicated his social position and standing. The coat, or tunic, that Jacob made for Joseph set him apart from his brethren and perhaps indicated his preference for Joseph regarding the birthright.

Joseph’s dreams were God-given and prophetic. Nearly 200 years before, God had prophesied to Abraham that his seed would go into a strange country (Gen. 15:13–14). God had chosen Joseph to play a significant part in bringing this to pass. Thus when Joseph’s brothers scorned his first dream, God confirmed it with another in which Joseph’s place of preeminence in the family was clearly foretold. This leadership position was usually reserved for the firstborn son and included the birthright. First Chronicles 5:1–2 explains how Reuben was rejected by God as well as Jacob for the birthright and replaced by Joseph and his sons.

This change in the hierarchy was not lost on Joseph’s brothers, who hated and envied him because of the dreams, and apparently this influenced their decision to slay him (v. 18). But God intervened, and Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt, preserving his life and thereby becoming the instrument by which God would fulfill his prophecy to Abraham.

Some of the closest human relationships are found in the family; yet, Joseph’s brothers were so blinded by envy that they could not speak decently to him. They ridiculed him and sold him as a slave, ignoring his anguish and pleas (Gen. 42:21). The result of their envious deeds caused Joseph much affliction. This account of the downward spiral of envy should help us to realize the destructive nature of allowing envy a foothold in our hearts. Centuries later Stephen adds, “But God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions” (Acts 7:9–10).

Only God can deliver you from these feelings and give you a clean heart if you have become entrapped in envy. To those who become the object of envy, only God can sustain you and give you strength to love and maintain a forgiving and right spirit.

Practical Truths for Today

God has not left us ignorant concerning the spirit of envy. Today the word jealousy is often used in place of envy. One writer has written, “Jealousy fears to lose what it has; envy is pained at seeing another have.” While jealousy is possessive in nature and may have a positive side, envy is destructive in nature and seeks to neutralize or eliminate what it is focused on. Envy is defined as “Discontent at the excellence or good fortune of another . . . with the distinct idea of malice or spite.” 2 At the root of envy is self-honor.

Envy hinders spiritual growth, creating weak and sickly Christians, and has caused many to fall from grace. Like a “root of bitterness” (Heb. 12:15), it defiles those around us. With envy comes the sins of hatred, ill-will, resentment, and offense, and it has been the cause of many heartaches and trouble in our homes and in the church. Envy is usually directed toward our peers and companions, those in the same station of life, those who share the same talents, or those with whom we serve. When envy takes root in the heart, a critic is born, and harmony is destroyed.

Discontentment is a fertile field for envy to take root in and grow. Born of a lack of faith that God has our best interest in mind, we envy what we feel God has not given us or what we are losing to another.

An honor-seeking spirit, which seeks the honor that comes from men rather than the approval that comes from God, creates a favorable environment for envy. Paul warned the believers, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal. 5:26). Pride goes hand-in-hand with envy. It inflates our self-worth and personal talents while minimizing the gifts of the one whom we envy, putting him in a negative light.

Selfish ambition with its attendant materialism leaves one especially vulnerable to envy. In a success-oriented society, one is often defined by his accomplishments. The desire to be equal to or above others is as old as Satan’s fall from heaven (Isa. 14:12–15). Personal ambition is not limited to the financial area but can be expressed in any natural or spiritual gifts that we might have. Envy raises its ugly head when we perceive that another’s gifts or successes are diminishing our own. “Is it not a dreadful thing to envy the talents, gifts, prosperity and good report of others? Should we not much more rejoice of all the good gifts God has given to others, though they excel our gifts?” 3

Children are not exempt from envy, and, all too often, it takes root in childhood experiences. Parents should use wisdom and discretion as they reward and acknowledge the virtues and accomplishments of their children so everyone receives appropriate attention without comparison.

Peer pressure is another area in which Satan is making inroads into the hearts of our children and young Christians. When I am overly sensitive to how I appear to others, an envious spirit is likely at work. The desire for one’s own identity to be recognized can lead him into hurtful behavior and habits that further exacerbate the feelings of envy.

An argumentative spirit that easily disputes what others say is often the result of envy (1 Tim. 6:4). Envy keeps a record of past slights and hurts and will cause us to hold a grudge for many years. The retelling of these hurtful experiences brings a certain satisfaction but never closure. Being overly opinionated is often an indicator of envy. With this spirit we tend to avoid those who disagree with us and give them a cold shoulder.

Let us pray for thankful, contented hearts, for a genuine appreciation of our brethren, and an assurance of God’s blessing in our lives together with a vision of the working body of Christ.

“When, free from envy, scorn, and pride, our wishes all above, Each can his brother’s failings hide, and show a brother’s love.” 4

Questions

1. What makes envy so hard to identify in my heart but easy to see in others?
2. Can envy become a family trait? How?
3. What are ways for parents to help their children deal with youthful peer pressure?
4. 1 Don Gable, John Holdeman: Life, Labors, Legacy, p. 345
5. 2 Alexander Cruden, Cruden’s Complete Concordance, s.v. “Envy”
6. 3 Don Gable, John Holdeman: Life, Labors, Legacy, p. 344
7. 4 Joseph Swain (1761-1796), “How Sweet, How Heavenly”
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).